Food Markets under Pressure: Market Concentration Increases – Competition Decreases
Special Report on Competition in the Food Supply Chain I 21 November 2025
According to the Monopolies Commission, market concentration in food retail and parts of the food industry has increased significantly in recent years. ‘The power of food retailers and, in some cases, manufacturers has increased significantly at the expense of consumers, while agriculture is often exposed to global market risks,’ explains Tomaso Duso, Chairman of the Monopolies Commission. One reason for this are numer-ous mergers in the industry and the increasing expansion of retail activities to the manufacturing level. The Monopolies Commission, an independent advisory body to the German fed-eral government, submitted its special report on competition in the food supply chain to the Federal Ministry of Economics and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture today. In the report, the Monopolies Commission conducted an in-depth analysis of market conditions. This was prompted by the farmers' protests in 2024 and the high food prices of recent years.
Our Key Recommendations:
- Closer Scrutiny of Mergers along the Entire Supply Chain
- Effectively Countering Abuse of Power
- Improving the Framework Conditions for Agriculture
Sector Report Energy: Competition and Efficiency for a Sustainable Energy System
10. Sector Report of the Monopolies Commission I 4 November 2025
The Monopolies Commission calls for stronger efforts to modernise Germany’s energy systems. “Only by addressing the root causes of high energy prices can we achieve lasting progress. Symptom relief alone is not enough,” said Tomaso Duso, Chair of the Monopolies Commission. The Monopolies Commission today presented its 10th Energy Sector Report to the Federal Ministry of Economics. The report offers recommendations for future-proof energy systems covering electricity, district heating, gas and charging infrastructure for electric mobility. According to the Commission, greater efficiency and stronger competition are crucial for a successful energy transition. The Monopolies Commission is an independent advisory body that counsels the Federal Government on matters of competition policy.
Policy Brief on EU Competition Law: More speed, more impact!
Policy Brief | Edition 14 | 9 Oktober 2025
The Monopolies Commission is pleased to present its 14th Policy Brief, which focuses on the reform of EU competition law procedures (Regulation 1/2003) and the merger control guidelines.
In this brief, the Monopolies Commission recommends targeted adjustments to EU competition law, particularly concerning cartel and abuse proceedings as well as merger control. Key recommendations include:
- The European Commission's proceedings for infringements of competition law should be shortened and remedies made more effective. Moreover, Member States should retain the ability to apply stricter national rules on abuses of dominance.
- The European Commission should make greater use of dynamic theories of harm and expand its merger guidelines to include an analytical framework for assessing digital ecosystems.
The Policy Brief is now available for download: Policy Brief on EU Competition Law
Statement on the European Commission's Envisaged Digital Networks Act
Bonn, 15 July 2025
Press Statement of Tomaso Duso on the European Commission's envisaged Digital Networks Act
„The envisaged Digital Networks Act presents an important opportunity to modernise Europe’s digital infrastructure and regulatory framework – but not at the expense of effective competition.
A pro-competitive, market-driven telecoms sector remains the best way to promote investment, innovation, and consumer welfare. Calls for market consolidation within national markets and mandatory payments from content providers to telecoms operators lack justification and risk distorting well-functioning internet interconnection markets.
We urge the European Commission to preserve the principles of the existing competition-oriented model. Regulatory reform must be based on empirical evidence, remain proportionate, and respect the differences across national markets.
Europe should focus on completing the digital single market with competition as guiding principle. Our recommendations aim to support a future-proof regulatory framework that delivers better outcomes for consumers and businesses alike.“
Tomaso Duso
Chairman of the Monopolies Commission
Full Statement of the German Monopolies Commission on the Digital Networks Act
